Dual-Axis Hinge Unit for Rotating Display Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging apparatuses with movable displays have a large hinge unit that protrudes, compromising the design aesthetics and increasing the device's size, especially when the hinges are exposed.
Innovation Solution
A hinge unit design where the first hinges are disposed between the second hinges, allowing for rotational movement of the display about two axes without exposing the hinges, thus reducing the size of the hinge unit and improving the device's design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the hinge unit is designed with a conventional structure where hinges are disposed on the outer side of the display, then the display can be rotationally moved about two axes, but the hinge unit becomes larger and protrudes, compromising the design aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the first hinge and second hinge into a single integrated hinge unit structure. The first hinge (rotating about axis A) and second hinge (rotating about axis B) are combined such that one hinge is disposed between the other hinge and the display, creating a compact integrated unit that enables dual-axis rotation without protruding elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a nested configuration where one hinge mechanism is disposed within the spatial envelope of the other hinge. Specifically, one of the pair of first hinges is disposed between the pair of second hinges, creating a nested arrangement that reduces the overall size and eliminates external protrusions while maintaining both rotational degrees of freedom
2Ease of manufacture
If the hinges are disposed on the outer side of the display for structural simplicity, then the display can be rotated, but the hinge unit size increases and the design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple hinge mechanisms into a single integrated unit, reducing the overall volume required for the hinge assembly while maintaining the capability for dual-axis rotation of the display
Solution Approach 2:
By nesting one hinge within the spatial configuration of the other hinge, the patent reduces the total volume occupied by the hinge unit while preserving both rotational functions, thereby decreasing the overall device size
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables a compact hinge unit that maintains the functionality of the display's rotational movement while enhancing the device's appearance by concealing the hinges, thereby improving both form and function.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of first hinges on the first axis extending along one of two sides of the display which are at right angles to each other, the display is supported by the support portion so as to be rotationally movable about a second axis by a pair of second hinges on the second axis
Implementation Method 2
the display is supported by the support portion so as to be rotationally movable about a second axis by a pair of second hinges on the second axis extending along the other of the two sides of the display which are at right angles to each other
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging apparatus includes: a main body having an imaging element; a rectangular display disposed along one surface of the main body; and a hinge unit that movably connects the display to the main body, the hinge unit includes a support portion connected to the main body so as to be rotationally movable about a first axis by a pair of first hinges on the first axis extending along one of two sides of the display which are at right angles to each other, the display is supported by the support portion so as to be rotationally movable about a second axis by a pair of second hinges on the second axis extending along other of the two sides of the display which are at right angles to each other, and one of the pair of first hinges is disposed between the pair of second hinges.